How Inmate Phone Calls Work at Dauphin County Prison
Phone access at Dauphin County Prison starts with a PIN. Inmates typically receive theirs the next business day after bookingâso don't worry if you don't hear anything right away.
Contact an Inmate at Dauphin County Prison, PA.
Mail, photos, messaging, and phone/call options for staying in touch.
Overview
Dauphin County Prison uses ViaPath (formerly GTL) for inmate telephone service and tablets. You can create an account online or by phone. Phone accounts are tied to your phone numberânot the inmate's name or DCP#âand money added to a specific number limits calls to that number only. Inmates typically receive their phone PIN the next business day. Lost or compromised PINs? Reissue requests go through the Deputy Warden of Security. All calls must be scheduled and are limited to 15 minutes. The facility doesn't provide personal or long-distance calls; staff handle emergencies as needed, and written communication is encouraged. Tablet services include both free and paid options, with funds added online or by phone.
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Quick Facts
- ViaPath (formerly GTL) provides the inmate telephone service and tablets at Dauphin County Prison.
- Phone accounts are created using the callerâs phone number, not the inmateâs name or DCP#; funds applied to a number limit calls to that number.
- Inmate phone calls must be scheduled and are limited to 15 minutes per call.
- Inmates typically receive their phone PIN the next business day; PIN reissues are handled through the Deputy Warden of Security.
- Most incoming personal letters must be sent to a new offâsite mail processing center for scanning and delivery to inmate tablets.
Contact & Communication Guides
How to send mail to someone at Dauphin County Prison (so it won't be returned)
Dauphin County Prison changed how personal mail worksâmost letters don't go straight to the jail anymore. Send mail to the wrong place or skip the proper labeling for legal mail, and it's coming right back to you.
Why you can't call an inmate at Dauphin County Prison â and how ViaPath phone/tablet accounts work
Trying to reach someone at Dauphin County Prison and hitting a wall? That's because the phone system doesn't work like a normal
Why Your Mail to Dauphin County Prison Must Go to a Processing Center (And What Happens If It Doesn't)
Dauphin County Prison changed how personal mail works in May 2021. You no longer send letters directly to the jail. Instead, everything goes to an outside mail processing center, where it's scanned and delivered to your loved one on their tablet.
Common Questions
How do I set up an account to receive calls from an inmate at Dauphin County Prison?
Set up an account with ViaPath (formerly GTL) online or by phone. The account is tied to your phone number, so add the number you want calls routed to. You may need to add funds through the vendor for calls or paid tablet features.
How long are inmate phone calls at Dauphin County Prison and do they need to be scheduled?
Yes. Inmate phone calls must be scheduled, and each call is limited to 15 minutes.
Can inmates make personal or long-distance calls from Dauphin County Prison?
No. Personal or long-distance calls are not provided; emergencies are handled by staff as needed, and written communication is encouraged instead.
Where should I send personal mail for someone at Dauphin County Prison?
Send personal letters to the off-site mail processing center designated for Dauphin County Prison so the mail can be scanned and delivered to inmate tablets. Donât mail personal correspondence directly to the jail buildingâthose items will be returned to sender.
What happens if I send mail directly to Dauphin County Prison instead of the processing center?
Personal mail sent directly to Dauphin County Prison will be returned to the sender rather than delivered to the inmate.
How should I address legal mail for an inmate at Dauphin County Prison?
Clearly mark the envelope as legal mail and include a verifiable return address. If legal mail isnât clearly marked or doesnât have a return address, it will be returned to sender.
Other Guides for Dauphin County Prison, PA
Before Your First Visit to Dauphin County Prison: What to Bring, What to Leave Behind
Your first visit to Dauphin County Prison goes smoother when you bring the right ID, travel light, and prepare for screening at the door. This guide covers the most common reasons people get turned awayâand how to avoid them.
Dauphin County Prison visitation checklist: ID, arrival time, dress code, and what not to bring
Visiting someone at Dauphin County Prison goes smoothly when you come prepared. This checklist covers everything you need to get through sign-in and screening without any problems.
Three ways to put money on an inmate's account at Dauphin County Prison
Trying to get funds to someone at Dauphin County Prison? You have three options: drop a money order in the front-entry box, use the lobby kiosk (cash or credit), or deposit online through ConnectNetwork. Which one works best depends on how fast you need the money there and what's most convenient for you.
